Testimonials

Testimonials for feeding Diature™ and using as a soil conditioner.

Alwyn Davies, Brenan, New Cross: I have used Diature™ DE added to cattle, ewe and lamb creep feed with pleasing results for the past 3 years, and have purchased more for this seasons lambing. Lambs achieved a marketable weight sooner when DE was added to the ewe feed and creep feed at 1% by weight of the feed, compared to stock that did not receive any DE with the same feed. e.g. only 50 lambs were left to achieve their weight, compared to 150 of those not fed the DE. Lambs on the DE supplemented feed did not require a chemical wormer prior to going to market, and remained clean and in good condition, whereas those on feed alone had to be wormed twice. Some lambs were monitored without DE or a chemical wormer and they went down in condition badly.

Ewe’s udders were noticeably fuller with the DE supplement.

Housed cattle were in good condition with shiny coats when fed the DE supplement in the first short trial and we feel that we should have fed it for a longer period, to monitor feed conversion, so over winter 2010 fed for several weeks and even though weather was around -10˚ on average, the cattle were growing well, blooming again with good coats. We stopped the DE for February 2011, but reintroduced it again as a definite drop in condition was noticed.

Bibby’s added it to our creep feed blend for all the lambs spring 2011, to save handling the product daily. Fed it daily to store cattle from end of October 2011 to March 2012. Fed again over winter 2012, and have ordered more for the spring lambing season, 2013. Ordered February 2014 for lambing again. Still using for February 2015.

Mark Rowlands, Brynllys Farm, Dole, Nr Aberystwyth

In 2011 we started using DE-LIC’s , (mineral licks enriched with Diature™ DE) with our overwintering cattle and calves, as we had had some problems with mange on a few calves. The results were amazing, with healing of the skin and new good growth of hair on the calves, and all other stock had glistening coats, good hooves
and general condition on organic silage and the DE-LIC’s. We continue to purchase these licks for our organic farm for 2012and 2013 and intend to try the powder added to sheep feed next spring.

Spring 2014 have added Diature ™soil amendment to grass reseeding and will monitor growth and mineral uptake. Still pleased with DE-LIC’sWinter 2014.

John Davies, Tyn Lloft Silian, Lampeter.

I fed 100 dairy cows Diature™ DE at approx 150gms per head per day, sprinkled onto the silage for 7 consecutive days in December 2008. Daily milk yields were improved by between 0.8 and 1.2 litres per head per day from 24 hours after first introducing the DE. The cows were eager to lick every last speck of powder. Bactoscan readings and cell counts were reduced, the bactoscan readings remaining low for some time after the DE supplement was stopped. The cows feet and coats were noticed to be in good condition.

Richard Tudor, Glanystwyth, New Cross, Aberystwyth. (Organic Farm)

Lambs were creep fed with supplemented Diature™ DE at 1% by weight in spring 2009, for 3 weeks and Faecal Egg counts (FEC’s) done by Innovis were low enough to show that these lambs did not require a chemical drench. The lambs receiving the DE were in good condition, and in comparison ,the neighbouring farm had very high FEC’s despite receiving a creep feed, but without DE. I purchased more DE for the 2010 seasons lambing to feed to the ewes to monitor benefit to ewes and lambs at an earlier date. So far the lambs are doing well, but it was harder to come to any conclusion over the first 10 days of feeding as it was a very dry season and grass was not yet growing. Did well later.

Purchased again in 2011-used what was left again in 2012 before supplying organic lamb on contract to Olympic Games London 2012. Lambs in excellent condition. Would recommend its use.

Peter Loxdale, Castle Hill, Llanilar, Ceredigion.

I was very pleased with condition of ewes and lambs for the 2009 lambing season fed with supplemented Diature™DE. I ordered more for the 2010 season. Did not order in 2011 as had really good silage so trying without the DE this season .Re ordered in 2013.

John Hughes and Sons, Pen y Cwm, Bow Street, Ceredigion.

We fed ewes and lambs supplemented with 1% Diature™ DE by weight of feed, for 4 weeks of the 2009 lambing season with excellent results. Ewe FEC’s for nematodirus and stronglyes were maintained at a low average of 180 epg (eggs per gramme)and lambs at 90 epg in one area of the farm, and at 495 in another area, and were therefore low enough not to require a chemical wormer, a great saving on cost and labour. Ewes and lambs were notable very clean and lambs grew well. We used DE again for the 2010 seasons lambing and would definitely recommend it. We have used it again for March 2011 and 2012 onwards. We like to add it to pellets as a top dressing then we can vary the amounts as need requires it. Ordered again for February 2013, and 2014 and 2015.

Caroline Lewis, Pant-Cyfyng, Bwlchllan, Llangeitho, Ceredigion.

As a smallholder and consultant specialising in FEC’s for farmers, equestrian and veterinary services, I was very interested to try the Diature ™DE products with my own flock of Jacob’s sheep, horses and goat. All the stock improved in condition and found both the powder and lick form of DE palatable. FEC’s were lowered using both types of product, and condition of one ewe who I described as looking like a hat rack, was astounding. Her FEC count came down dramatically and she bloomed when given access to Bug-A- Tub, a balanced full vitamin spectrum /mineral/ yeast and DE tub with plant oils and herbs. The Jacob’s sheep, 2 horses and the goat were given ‘DE-LIC ‘a mineral lick containing 40% by volume of DE with added garlic and their FEC’s were reduced so they did not require a chemical wormer. Jacob’s lambs FEC’s dropped from 1740epg to 780epg in 18 days and down to 390 epg in 36 days.

Ewes rearing single lambs were fed Diature™ DE at 2% by weight of feed (rolled barley) for a period of 8 weeks. Lambs reared by mothers receiving the DE supplemented feed had weekly weight gains statistically significantly greater than those reared by mothers fed without DE, as well as lambs reared by mothers who had received a chemical drench and the same quantity of feed. After 10 weeks, lambs from DE fed ewes weighed 24.4kgs, compared to 20.1kgs for lambs from drenched ewes, and 21.1kgs for lambs from control ewes (no treatment). Statistically significant differences. FEC’s were reduced in DE fed sheep in a similar pattern to those given a chemical drench over the 8 week period. The ewes receiving the DE supplement maintained body condition during lactation and had significantly greater weight gain (4.1kgs) compared to drenched ewes (2.2kgs) and ewes receiving no treatment (3.1kgs).

DE fed cattle at first turnout also had reduced FEC’s for the duration of the trial, lower than controls, and a similar pattern again to drenched cattle but not as low.

ADAS concluded that there would be advantages to feeding a DE supplement to sheep and cattle.

Julia Desch, Causeway Farm, Nr Hailsham, E Sussex writes:

“ We have been using DE at 1 – 2% added to dry matter for our Pedigree Black Wensleydales for 18 months, and the results have been impressive. We imported some shocking parasite problems with additional stock bought in and lost lambs to Haemonchus (Barbers Pole worm). We recorded dung passed at regular intervals during the 18 months and found massive Haemonchus burden and also tapeworm in young stock. We now know which adult sheep are prone to parasite problems, what periods are most vulnerable, and when the burdens start to develop in our young stock and how to deal with the burden effectively. What we see on the ground is dead, there is no risk of resistance or damage to the environment. We only have to target drug treatment very specifically and occasionally.

The young stock have grown twice as well and the fleece is excellent due to the silica and trace elements. Those that need most help self-medicate by using the tubby bucket Bug-A-Tub most frequently.”

Rhydian Davies Bailey Bog, Bwlch y Sarnau, Rhyader, Powys

Bought DE in 2011 to try it out, very pleased and since September 2012 have been feeding store lambs for fattening ad lib with feed and DE. Vet was astounded at their low FEC’s (20epg) compared to others which had had the new type drench, but had picked up a high worm burden since. He did repeat counts to check, but they all showed a low count on the DE. Have placed a new order of 20 sacks December 2013 ready for the lambing season 2014.Also re-ordering the mineral DE-LIC’s.

Felicity Wills, Moelbren Farm, Banc y Darren, Nr. Aberystwyth

I have used the Bug-A- Tub containing DE , a full vitamin and mineral spectrum, yeast, and plant oils for the past 3 years. I had a problem with lice attacking horses kept in pasture where sheep with lice were grazing. While the Bug-A-Tub is available there is no problem with lice at all, and horses are in super condition and have not required any wormer. Sheep in a neighbouring field without the Bug-A-Tub have lice. I have also in the past, treated my stallion with a dusting of DE powder as he was covered in lice, they were all dead by the next day. A neighbour used the DE powder externally on his pigs and all the lice were dead and dried up in 24 hours. I am also pleased with the new DE-LIC bucket used in 2012/13/14, the ponies are in excellent condition, & I shall continue to use this.

“I have just received my puff dispenser of Diature™ DE. I Was TBH quite sceptical, thinking it would be just another ineffective bottle sat on my tack room shelf. One of my horses has recently had lice, I’ve tried all the natural alternatives (I don’t do chemicals!) and so far they have not helped. I put DE on them this morning and they were dying as I watched them. I am certain this will work well as a natural wormer so that is my next trial (fecals to monitor). My little feral pony is taking it out of my hand, brilliant.

Julie Bailey, Poynton Cheshire writes:

“Can I order another 1kg DE pail. I used the last one to worm my horse. The egg counts went from 250 to 0 after feeding it to him for 5 days. I’m delighted to have such an effective alternative to chemical wormers. Many thanks, Julie.”

John and Chris Vernon, Stoke Prior:

Using Diature™DE in all our layers poultry sheds with over 10,000 birds in each, for preventing and controlling any red mite infestations for the past 4 years, to December 2014. We have had no problems since using this product and the birds are in excellent condition.

Meirion Edwards, Cwmerfyn, Aberystwyth (Organic farm)

I have used Diature™ for feeding ewes at lambing and am pleased to see the ewes in such excellent condition. Noticed that the wool is better and the fleece is easier to shear. I have also used the DE-LIC buckets which are very palatable, for ewes and lambs. Lambs then have DE on creep feed and keep very clean, with no scouring. Also the sheep dogs are fed a supplement of DE on a regular basis. Their coats are good and no problem with worms.

We intend to add Diature™ soil amendment to some reseeding later this year and monitor grass growth and mineral uptake.

Bryn Davies, Abergele

Have used Diature™ feed additive and DE-LIC mineral buckets for cows and calves for 2 years with excellent results. Calves when born, from DE fed cows stand and suckle immediately. Interestingly, all the young cows given the DE-LIC mineral buckets are in calf whereas those without the DE-LIC are not as yet.

A field sown with Diature soil conditioner in a 30ft band around the headland showed stronger growth and when the severe long period of frost came in 2013 the Diature ™ sown grass withstood frost burn.

Richard Morgans, Aberystwyth Dairy & Sheep enterprise

We ploughed and reseeded 10acres with stubble turnips in 2014 and included Diature™ on 5 acres. The difference in green foliage and turnip growth was outstanding in the area with Diature™ soil amendment. Have added Diature™ to a complete grassland reseed this spring @ 18kg per acre when spreading lime. Trying sheep/lambs and dairy cows/calves with the DE-LIC mineral buckets.

Feed trial with 80 weaned lambs 2014 NFF Ltd

An 8 week trial on welsh cross bred lambs showed significantly improved condition scores when a crumble feed was supplemented with Diature™ for 40 lambs.(Feed mixed and supplied by Rumenco). DE group (40)lambs received 8gms Diature™ per head per day, whereas the control group(40) had no Diature™. Scouring was significantly reduced, foot health maintained, faecal egg counts were lower and any rises were delayed when challenged by unclean pasture. The DE group showed improved weight gain for each cross breed and sex. Rumenco launched a new vitamin & mineral tub incorporating Diature™ tradename ‘CLEANSWEEP’ at Welsh NSA in May 2015, following this study.

Poultry trials (NFF Ltd/IBERS) KESS MSc Studies

While rearing broilers from day old chicks to 42 days, some reduction in Campylobacter was seen in vitro while in vivo, coccidia in litter was reduced. Feed intake was maintained and the broilers found this a palatable mix. A free range layers MSc study, on an organic enterprise, monitoring shell and egg quality, egg production and effect on several poultry parasites, including coccidia, is underway.

NI & MA Stacy, Llanidloes

We had a bad infestation of lice on two sheds of housed cattle. One group was treated with Diature™ powder applied to their coats and bedding, the other group was sprayed with Neem Pro Riddance™ a natural insect anti feedant. We are very pleased to say that both these treatments have worked well and cattle are now content and no longer irritated.

Christina Tooley, Chevron Hackles As a supplier of top quality hackles/feathers for fashion industry and for fly tying fishing specialists.

I don’t have an exact measurement for the feather quality, it is just that it shines through somehow and what I am looking for in a feather is not necessarily what a broiler farmer or layer flock owner would be looking for.

Briefly, we add DE to the chick crumbs from day one, and continue to add it to the feed of all growing birds now for at least the first three months of life. This means that we do not have to use conventional worm treatment on them, the usual chemical version is a harsh treatment for them which does set them back. We then add DE for roughly every second month, to keep the feathers growing well and birds free of internal parasites. As you may well know, all chickens grow three sets of feathers in their first year, the initial growth to replace the chick fluff, then a second flush to fill out as the birds grow into what is essentially a bird version of teenagerhood. Then the more mature birds replace these with their adult plumage, which is the set we are after. So you see it is important that we keep the DE in the system to ensure top quality feather production at all stages. The point I didn’t cover and which may be asked of you is regarding shell quality.

As we have the birds for the complete cycle, shell quality is paramount in incubation and hatching. We now give birds no added shell but find that the chicks still hatch well without if hens have DE.

We do not have a set routine for treating bedding and housing with DE, but whenever the birds are cleaned out, all soiled bedding is removed and a fresh bed of shavings is set down, and all topped with a good measure of DE so that as the chickens bathe in the clean shavings they also coat themselves with DE.

Our problems mainly come not from Red Mites, but from the more challenging and difficult to eliminate Northern Fowl Mite. Because our birds live a longer life, these can become entrenched and almost impossible to eliminate as they live on the birds continually and treating the house does not have the same effect as with Red Mite. We do not have a problem with Red Mite probably for this reason. With the Northern Fowl Mite, the best we can hope for is to contain them. Similarly, we never have a problem with lice.

DE helps us with this, treating all housing and furniture (perches, nestboxes, feeders etc) is the ideal solution to be most effective in eliminating all these parasites. We have to continually keep a check on the adult chickens, and from time to time catch them all up, and ‘wash’ them in pure DE. If done regularly, this can work to eliminate the pests.